The issue of sports betting has been on the rise since its introduction in the country some years ago. This has made many parents disown their children because of their involvement since their wards are adamant and are not willing to stop the activity.
In an interview conducted by mybrytfmonline reporter, Asare Joseph, with some youth in the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, they made some shocking revelation of their involvement in sports betting and how much they earn when their predictions go through successfully.
“I bet with a small amount with the hope of getting huge income or returns. So I mostly stake over fifteen (15) teams with GH₵ 2 which gives me a potential return of over GH₵ 300 depending on the odds. Betting has taken me out of the streets where I used to do a lot of dubious things to make money. So stopping will be difficult for me,” said one.
“I know people who work in big companies in this country and still stake bets. Not because they don’t have money but it makes the game fun. Since you’ve staked for a team, you automatically become a supporter of that team for that short time frame, which makes it fun. Winning for me is a plus, but I bet for fun not necessarily because of the profit.” Said by another.
“For me, I stake big and win big. I know sports betting is a gamble and if you want to win big, you need to stake with a relatively huge amount of money. When I have money on me, I mostly stake GH₵ 500 which gives me a potential return of GH₵ 2,000 depending on the odds. Because I bet with such an amount, I do stake for three (3) teams with relatively higher odds, I mean football teams who are good at winning games. To be sincere with you, sports betting has really helped me and also helped reduce the crime rate in the country, since most people especially the youth’s involvement”. Another disclosed.
Touching on the number of times they bet, they revealed that, they bet every day since sports betting is their only source of livelihood which gives them joy. Thereby making it difficult for them to refrain from the act. According to them, if a football team makes them lose, there is a high possibility of them not involving that team in their slip again no matter the odds they are being given.
Asked on whether their parents are in support of their involvement in sports betting, some revealed that, their parents are not aware while others said the opposite.
“When we used to go to the offices of these betting companies to stake our bets, they give us a hard copy as our slip. So mostly when we are with it and our parents see us, they tend to insult and promise to disown us if we don’t stop this act, but since the introduction of the internet sports betting, things are a bit easier since they don’t see any proof. My brother to stop betting isn’t easy. We’ve tried countless times but our efforts always prove futile.” Some said.
Others too revealed that their parents are aware and sometimes tease them when things do not go according to plan. If things go well, they mostly give their parents some token, which they accept.
They went ahead and pleaded with the government not terminate sports betting, but rather bring more Betting companies on board because they believe they (Betting Companies) pay huge amount of taxes which helps in the development of the country.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Asare Joseph
